Villa boss Lambert hails Westwood

06 Dec 2012 08:37:00

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has hailed the impact made by midfielder Ashley Westwood in adjusting to life the Premier League.

Westwood was signed during the final week of the summer transfer window, from League One side Crewe, but did not make his full debut until last month. However, the 22-year-old has started the last six matches during Villa's mini revival and has impressed Lambert with his displays.

The Villa boss said: "I think a lot gets overlooked with Ashley but he has just come in here and has taken to it no problem whatsoever.

"He was captain at Crewe and played a lot of games in men's football before he came here so he knew what it was about.

"I trust people to go and play, to go and give everything they've got and he has not let me down.

"If you look at the stats regarding his passing, they are terrific, something like a 91% success rate and he never gives the ball away. He's been exceptional."